Pretoria - While social commentators, educators and parents grapple with the question of HIV testing for school children, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality begins its 2011 run of the high school public speaking competition addressing the same issue as from Friday.
The competition, which is in its sixth year, seeks to raise awareness on HIV and Aids, tuberculosis, reproductive health and sexually transmitted infections amongst learners in the region. This year's topic is "Take responsibility and know your status".
"This programme is of a preventative nature where learners are encouraged to arm themselves with the facts before they can take part in any risky activities," explains the spokesperson of the metro, Zweli Dlamini.
The metro is targeting all 132 high schools in Ekurhuleni to participate in the contest starting on Friday until 14 February when the finals will take place at the Alberton Civic Centre.
Meanwhile, Cabinet has assured parents that care will be taken to ensure that the voluntary HIV testing in schools campaign will be done in a professional and responsible manner.
"A task team consisting of the South African National Aids Council Secretariat, SANAC Children's Sector, social workers from the Department of Social Development and representatives from the national and provincial education departments has been set up to ensure that the campaign is properly implemented," said Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane on Thursday.
The Ministries of Health and Basic Education have said they will outline to the nation the full details of the campaign in due course, once their plans and consultations have been concluded.
Health Department spokesperson Fidel Hadebe said the department would ensure the programme was tailor-made for children, taking into account issues of confidentiality and support. A technical task team will ensure that child specific issues are addressed and that appropriate support and care is in place to assist children who opt to take part in the schools based campaign.
